Omitted

Here's this week's Bible study blog post for i.ucc:

Weekly Bible readings often teach through the verses left out as much as the verses we have to read. What can we learn, then, from the Luke 4:14-21 passage that tells of a time Jesus read from the book of Isaiah and left out siginificant parts?

Jesus read:
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, {19} to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." (Luke 4:18-19 NRSV)

The Scroll of Isaiah continued:
. . . and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to provide for those who mourn in Zion-- to give them a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the mantle of praise instead of a faint spirit. They will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, to display his glory. They shall build up the ancient ruins, they shall raise up the former devastations; they shall repair the ruined cities, the devastations of many generations. Strangers shall stand and feed your flocks, foreigners shall till your land and dress your vines; but you shall be called priests of the LORD, you shall be named ministers of our God; you shall enjoy the wealth of the nations, and in their riches you shall glory. Because their shame was double, and dishonor was proclaimed as their lot, therefore they shall possess a double portion; everlasting joy shall be theirs. For I the LORD love justice, I hate robbery and wrongdoing; I will faithfully give them their recompense, and I will make an everlasting covenant with them. Their descendants shall be known. (Isaiah 61:2b-9 NRSV)

Why would Jesus stop where he did and not go on?

Because the part he left out is laced with ideas of vengeance and retribution. And Jesus was not about vengeance and retribution. He was and is about good news, release, recovery, and end to oppression and God’s love and kindness.

Calls for an uprising to ‘get back at them’ run contrary to who Jesus is.

What are your thoughts?